About Paul Ugbede
Paul Ugbede was born in Ankpa, Kogi State, Nigeria. His father was a Nursing Officer, which meant the family traveled extensively across Nigeria. He grew up in Idah, Kogi State, attending Omepa Primary School and FPI Staff School before completing primary school in Aliade, Benue State.
In 1991, he attended St. Charles’ College Ankpa for secondary school, where he wrote his first short story “While There Is Life” in SS1. He discovered theatre at the All Talented Christian Club in Ankpa in 1997, and this ignited a lifelong passion for the stage.
The Journey
Paul went on to study Theatre and Mass Communication at the University of Jos, where he was classmates with acclaimed author Abubakar Adam Ibrahim. It was at Jos that his writing career truly began to take shape.
In 2007, he participated in the British Council New Writing in Drama Programme and was selected for the prestigious Royal Court Theatre International Residency for Emerging Playwrights in London. During this residency, he had the remarkable opportunity to work with Nobel Laureate Harold Pinter. His play Drooping Palms was performed at the Jerwood Theatre Downstairs, Royal Court Theatre, London in August 2007.
He relocated to Lagos in 2013 where his career flourished. He won the inaugural Beeta Playwriting Competition in 2016 for “Our Son the Minister.” He collaborated extensively with director Bolanle Austen-Peters at Terra Arena Lagos on major musicals including Queen Moremi, Oluronbi, Man Enough, Fela’s Republic and the Kalakuta Queens, and Motherland the Musical.
Paul is the founding Director of the Center for African Writing, Art, Development and Cultural Exchange (CAWADAC), the convener of the Indy Africa Book and Film Festival, and the writer and producer of Onoja Oboni the Musical — the first ever musical from Northern Nigeria. He currently resides in Indianapolis, Indiana, United States.
Indy Africa Book & Film Festival
Convened by Paul Ugbede, the Indy Africa Book and Film Festival is an annual celebration of African literature, storytelling, and cinema held in Indianapolis, Indiana.
African Literature
Showcasing published works and emerging voices from across the African continent and the diaspora.
African Cinema
Screenings of powerful films that celebrate African stories, culture, and perspectives on the global stage.
Cultural Exchange
Bringing together writers, filmmakers, and audiences for dialogue, workshops, and creative collaboration.
Life & Career Timeline
Attended St. Charles' College Ankpa for secondary school; wrote his first short story "While There Is Life" in SS1.
Discovered theatre at the All Talented Christian Club in Ankpa.
Studied Theatre and Mass Communication at the University of Jos, classmates with author Abubakar Adam Ibrahim.
Selected for the British Council New Writing in Drama Programme and the Royal Court Theatre International Residency in London. Worked with Nobel Laureate Harold Pinter.
Relocated to Lagos where his career flourished with major stage productions.
Won the inaugural Beeta Playwriting Competition for Our Son the Minister.
Collaborated extensively with director Bolanle Austen-Peters at Terra Arena Lagos on Queen Moremi, Oluronbi, Man Enough, Fela's Republic, and Motherland the Musical.
Founding Director of the Center for African Writing, Art, Development and Cultural Exchange. Currently resides in Indianapolis, Indiana, United States.